30 Comments
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Lori Hamilton's avatar

I'm so glad I "discovered" you! Your writing strikes a place in my soul. I'm 71 but don't feel it (or act it, I hope!) and in my spirit I think I'm 29 still. I remember my grandmother telling me the same thing when she was in her 80s. She said it wistfully and now I'm almost where she was then. I feel wistful quite a bit these days.

My mother is 91 and has just been diagnosed with stomach cancer. My sisters and I are taking care of her. These words of yours take me places that, if not exactly the same circumstances, are like places that I have been.

Thank you for sharing them. I look forward to where you'll take me next.

Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks for sharing that, and for the care you're giving your mother.

Dustye Muse's avatar

I think for this, putting one heart emoji is not enough. There should be a three or five heart option.

Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks, Dustye. I love your name! :)

Dustye Muse's avatar

Thanks. That, of course, is my parent’s doing.

Cynthia's avatar

Beautiful (and true) comment. I feel the same! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

carol's avatar

As always, your writing paints such a picture I feel as though I am there.....feeling nostalgic....

Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks, Carol.

Kayla J's avatar

Stunning! The power in "my name!" I heard it echo as I read. Thank you for sharing such a lovely piece.

Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thank you, Kayla!

C.B. HEADLEY's avatar

"Maybe, in another life,

I will learn to sit still again or

talk slowly with strangers

or not care that the sun is setting on

too many things left to do."

Indeed. Maybe, and may we, all be so lucky to do this. Thank you for these lines and this poem.

Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks for reading.

Jennifer J. Camp's avatar

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. Thank you.

Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thank you, Jennifer!

Jody Collins's avatar

When my husband and I were first married we spent many years camping in Yosemite National Park when we lived in Central California. This poem painted such a perfect image of those long ago campground days. And also our courting years in the early 70's... so.many.letters.

PS Shawn I do hope you're gathering all these recent poems into a book. If I could suggest a title, it might be "Love letters to the World."

Shawn Smucker's avatar

That sounds wonderful (the camping bit!). And I love your suggestion.

Eleyna Julia's avatar

Maybe one day I can find a seed worth growing with someone. Old growth seems so far away...

Shawn Smucker's avatar

I hope so, Eleyna.

Laura LeBleu's avatar

Beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks for reading, Laura!

Jenny Gehman's avatar

I don't know how you do it, friend, but you always nail me to the floor with your words! Thank you.

Cheney Meaghan's avatar

What a beautiful story!

Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks, Cheney.

Bethany Welborn's avatar

Lovely. Also, (and I realize this is not the point of your piece) but were you referring to Troy, OH? That's my beloved hometown so it made my ears perk up to see it mentioned. I also realize there are probably a lot more Troys scattered around the USA...

Shawn Smucker's avatar

It is Troy Ohio! Maile graduated from Troy High School in 1996.

Bethany Welborn's avatar

Incredible! I think it’s one of the sweetest towns of all time.

Cynthia's avatar

I wondered the same! Sitting here 40 mins from Troy.

Susan Mulder's avatar

So tangible, sensorial- 💚

Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thank you, Susan.

hidden among roots's avatar

let them keep the carpet and squirrel dogs w coughs. Nice one! Tell us everything.